Race the Sun | South Downs

Timetable

Friday

• 18:00-20:00 | Team registration

  Teams will be allocated a time to attend the event HQ to sign in, pick up race numbers, drop off transition bags and have their bikes checked over to ensure that you’re all ship shape and race ready in the morning.

Saturday

• 07:00-08:00 | Event start

  Teams depart in waves. Teams will be allocated a start wave closer to the event.

• 16:00-19:00 | Party time

  Grab a bevvie as you cross the line, then chill out with your teammates and supporters over a bite to eat! Food and drink is available for registered participants only; there will not be an option for supporters to purchase anything on-site, but they are more than welcome to bring their own to join the fun.

• 19:00-20:00 | Event closes

  Teams say farewell and depart with a huge achievement - you've Raced the Sun!

Who is it for?

Race the Sun serves up enough adventure to challenge those looking to lay down a fast time, as well as those who just want a fun, exhilarating day with friends and family. 

It's achievable by people with a reasonable fitness level who are prepared to train beforehand. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Some teams will complete the challenge in as little as five hours and others will take the whole day. Some teams want to compete for the fastest time and others want to simply complete the course – it’s really up to you!

It’s a great incentive to get fit and work different muscles, knowing you’re raising funds for an excellent cause at the same time.

Bike type

Road, hybrid or e-bike.

As the route is on-road, using a mountain bike is not recommended. However, if you have trained on it and are confident you can complete the course you are more than welcome to use it. 

You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.

On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

E-bikes

In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Fancy dress award

There is a Best Dressed Team Award for those who want to go the extra mile! It's about having fun and raising money for charity.

Spectators

Why not make a weekend of it with friends and family?! Supporters will be able to join you at the event HQ, then track your progress live online.

Event HQ

Martello Fields
21 College Road
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 1JD
UK

Fact file

• The Seven Sisters are a stretch of chalk cliffs, formed millions of years ago along England's south coast
• The cliffs have appeared in Film and TV, from Robin Hood to Harry Potter
• Erosion is a constant threat, losing 30-40cm to the sea each year
• The South Downs Way National Trail is 100-miles long

Stage 1 - bike

Your challenge begins on the rolling clifftop roads and countryside of East Sussex. 

This circular bike route delivers epic sea views, quiet lanes, and a few cheeky climbs to keep things interesting—an exhilarating ride to power up your Race The Sun experience.

Stage 2 - hike

Lace up your boots for a stunning coastal adventure!

Begin at Seaford Head, which offers up an Instagram-worthy view of the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs stretching into the distance as far as Beachy Head, before the route winds inland along the river to the tranquil curves of Cuckmere Meanders. Here, the adventure shifts gears as boots are swapped for boats for the paddle phase of the challenge.

After your paddle, rejoin the trail to conquer a scenic stretch of the South Downs Way National Trail. This section might be short, but it’s big on wow-factor—think sweeping landscapes and a glimpse of the striking Litlington White Horse, before looping back to base in Seaford.

Stage 3 - paddle

Your challenge moves onto an unforgettable waterside experience with a 2-mile paddle on the peaceful, non-tidal River Cuckmere. This section amps up the adventure and the teamwork as you navigate the course in stable sit-on-top kayaks. 

No experience? No problem. All gear is provided, and expert instructors are on hand to guide you every stroke of the way.

Celebration

After completing all three challenges, it's time to kick back and chill out with teammates, friends, and family. Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink on us as you celebrate your achievement and relive the highlights of the day!

Challenge yourself, respect the planet

The organisers are committed to ensuring that Race the Sun is rewarding for participants, and the local community, by promoting sustainable practices such as car sharing, reducing travel mileage by sourcing items locally, supporting local communities by using local suppliers, and encouraging all teams to hang on to all rubbish until it can be disposed of or recycled accordingly.

Included

• Safety briefing
• Training plan
• Breakfast, packed lunch, drinks and snacks
• Team awards and finishers medal
• Canoe or kayak equipment
• Bike mechanics and first aiders
• Marshals and signage
• Timing tracker and GPX route files
• Instant live results
• Food and drink at the finish line

Not Included

• Bikes and helmets
• Accommodation if required
• Travel to and from the event
• Personal clothing
• Personal spending money
• Insurance

Bikes & helmets

Road, hybrid or e-bike

You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.

As the route is on-road, using a mountain bike is not recommended. However, if you have trained on it and are confident you can complete the course you are more than welcome to use it. 

On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

E-bikes

In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Action Medical Research

Race the Sun is organised by children’s charity, Action Medical Research.

Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs for 70 years.

They have helped to beat polio, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, helping to save thousands of children’s lives and change many more. Today they continue to tackle the challenges disease and disability present by funding high-quality research to save and change children’s lives and are driving forward research to help protect children.

By taking part, not only will you have a great time with first-class support throughout the day, but you’ll also be helping to raise vital funds to help sick and disabled babies and children.

Fundraising

• 2-person team

  £120 registration fee + £1,000 fundraising 

• 4-person team

  £240 registration fee + £2,000 fundraising 

• Self-funded

  No fundraising target, but you're still encouraged to raise as much as you can to help and save little lives.  

Jack was born extremely prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing just 1lb 15oz.

He needed oxygen, help with his breathing and feeding tubes to survive. He suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleeds and contracted the potentially deadly bowel infection necrotising enterocolitis. Jack went on to endure many more serious health problems and spent four and a half months in hospital fighting to survive before he was finally allowed home. Jack's mum is so grateful for the work that Action does:

It is so important that studies like those funded by Action Medical Research are done. Without research, we wouldn’t have medical advances, and Jack probably wouldn’t be here.

16-17 year olds must be accompanied by their parent or guardian throughout the challenge.

Entry fees

Very well organised event, beautiful scenery, cracking day, friendly and helpful staff. Thoroughly recommended. Andrew K

The event was incredible and we were all really impressed how well it was all organised. The food provided before, during and after the race was amazing. The signage around the course was great. The logistics on the day and the communication leading up to the event was perfect. Matthew B

We had a fantastic weekend, and loved the novelty of doing 3 different disciplines. What took the event from being really good to being really special was the atmosphere created by the Action staff and the other participants who were all incredible! Finisher

Really helpful staff, never made to feel silly. The fact that a medal and drink and bbq are included was really fantastic. Anna G

A great day out, and the weather was kind. Hard work, but the cycle wasn't as bad as I thought it would be 👍. Would recommend it, but make sure the legs can walk up big hills!! Ruth B

Fantastic event, very well organised, good communication throughout, really friendly team from Action Medical Research cheering everyone on. Great facilities and lovely BBQ to finish the day off. Would recommend to anyone thinking of doing the event. Laura L

I have entered a lot of events in my time and this was by far the best experience I have ever had. It really felt like an adventure and not just going through motions. I would recommend to anyone. James P

Amazing event! It ran so smoothly, all the staff and volunteers were absolutely fantastic, would recommend 10 times over! Sophie A

Fantastic experience and I would recommend to anyone. Loved the challenge and the atmosphere. Thomas R

Amazing event. Transition set up was unbelievable, staff were so helpful and informative. Catering at lunchtime was fabulous the rolls were absolutely incredible and the BBQ was fantastic. Thank you so much 😊 Lucy S

Reviews are from Race the Sun Lake District Keswick, with thanks to RaceCheck